NAMSAI, Aug 7: National Handloom Day was celebrated at Jona Kachari village in Namsai district with the distribution of 12 solar-powered Abha Eri Silk Spinning Machines to local weavers.
The initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of rural artisans by reducing the drudgery of traditional hand spinning and increasing productivity. The programme followed the successful completion of a four-day training programme on Eri Silk Production conducted from August 3 to 6 under the support of the CMS Foundation.
National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7 to commemorate the historic Swadeshi Movement of 1905, which promoted indigenous industries and encouraged the use of locally made products. The occasion recognizes the invaluable contribution of the handloom sector in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while generating sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans.
As part of the initiative, three Producers Groups (PGs) were formed in Jona Kachari village through the efforts of Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust (BLCCT) in close coordination with ArSRLM. Each Producers Group received a grant of Rs 2 lakh from ArSRLM.
To modernize the Eri silk value chain, 12 Abha Solar-Powered Spinning Machines were provided to the PGs, each with a market price of Rs 25,500, got a subsidy of Rs 13,575 from Resham Sutra and Selco Foundation, reducing the beneficiary contribution to Rs 11,925 per machine. The machines are expected to improve productivity, reduce the physical effort involved in spinning, particularly for women artisans, and enhance the quality of Eri silk yarn.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamal Roy, AGM (District Development), NABARD, the chief guest, highlighted NABARD’s commitment to promoting rural non-farm enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, and handloom-based rural MSMEs. He encouraged the weavers to adopt modern technologies, work collectively through Producers Groups, and focus on quality production, value addition, branding, and better market access to improve their incomes.
The programme concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to preserve the rich tradition of handloom weaving while creating better livelihood opportunities for rural artisans through technology, skill development, collective action, and institutional support.